Van Gogh's Ear, Jammed Up Bakery mark 30 years as community fixtures in Union

Antonio Domenici, executive director of the Special Improvement District in Union, toured viewers through downtown storefronts on the Downtown Discoveries program and spoke with Sarah Pereira, co‑owner of Van Gogh's Ear Cafe and Jammed Up Bakery, about the businesses' role in the community.

Pereira said Van Gogh's Ear has been part of Union for 30 years and that she has worked at the cafe since 2005; she and her brother became owners in 2009. "We've been here for 30 years," she said, adding that the business will mark the milestone with a public celebration on July 18 featuring live music and vendors.

Pereira described the cafe's atmosphere as a "third space" where customers can relax like in a living room: "You can work at them. You can enjoy lunch with your friends. We really just want it to feel like your third space." She said the cafe intentionally keeps a mismatched, artsy aesthetic, with local artwork on the walls, to distinguish it from newer minimalist cafes.

On food, Pereira highlighted the chicken focaccia sandwich, made with focaccia baked at Jammed Up Bakery next door and topped with fresh mozzarella, arugula and the cafe's house dressing. "The house dressing is like the most popular thing," she said.

The businesses also host regular live music: Pereira said Van Gogh's Ear offers jazz on Fridays and Sundays from 7 to 10 p.m., with a $5 cover that helps pay visiting musicians. She said the cafe is considering adding a third music night if demand continues to grow.

Pereira recounted operational challenges the businesses weathered, including the pandemic and a later incident in which, she said, "a van actually drove through our window." She said the storefront was repaired and the businesses have continued operating.

Jammed Up Bakery opened seven years ago to provide breads, desserts and custom cakes for the cafe and the wider community. Pereira said the bakery specializes in cookies and supplies the cafe's focaccia.

For customers, Pereira pointed to a diverse local clientele—families, older residents and college students—that she said helps the businesses stay resilient as tastes change. She described recent shifts toward floral coffee flavors and mocktails and said the menu rotates seasonal specials, noting a lobster‑avocado toast served for Mother's Day.

Pereira provided the street address as 1017 Stuyvesant Avenue and a phone number of (908) 810‑1844. She said the cafe and bakery keep current information and specials on Instagram and Facebook. Domenici closed the segment by urging viewers to support local businesses and thanking Pereira for the visit.

The businesses' 30th‑anniversary celebration is set for Saturday, July 18; Pereira said it will include live music and vendors and run through the day.